Computer system and stored program for certifying contractors

ABSTRACT

A certification computer system electronically receives contractor data from contractor devices. The certification computer system electronically stores at least a portion of the contractor data as certification data in a storage device(s). The certification computer system automatically certifies third-party contractors as certified contractors based, at least in part, on the certification data. The certification computer system electronically receives an electronic service request communicated from an e-commerce computer system. The electronic service request is based, at least in part, on a purchase(s) of a product(s) with a contractor service(s) made in electronic communication with a purchaser computer system. The certification computer system automatically creates an electronic service work order based, at least in part, on the electronic service request. The certification computer system automatically selects a certified contractor from the certified contractors. The certification computer system electronically communicates the electronic service work order to the certified contractor.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/373,916, filed Aug. 11, 2016, which is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Many potential purchasers of products may hesitate purchasing productsthat may require a contractor service such as installation. Somecontractors may not be certified. Finding a certified contractor may bedifficult for some purchasers. Finding an available contractor may bedifficult for some purchasers. Many potential purchasers may beconcerned with being overcharged by contractors. Many contractors may beconcerned about getting paid by purchasers after a contracted servicehas been completed for the purchasers. Many potential purchasers may beuncomfortable disclosing banking data directly to contractors.

Many e-commerce providers recognize that some potential product salesmay be lost due to leaving the burden to find a contractor topurchasers. Contractor(s) may be desired to complete a requiredcontractor service related to a potential product purchase. Manye-commerce providers recognize the liability of recommending third-partycontractors. Some e-commerce providers may hire and/or certifycontractors directly. However, this may be a time-consuming process.Furthermore, a plurality of third-party contractors in a plurality oflocations covering a plurality of contractor service types may be neededto cover a plurality of products offered for sale through an e-commercesystem available on a global network such as the Internet. Automatedsystems, stored programs, and methods are needed to certify third-partycontractors to provide contractor services for purchasers.

Many e-commerce providers realize that some potential sales may be lostif purchasers are not offered transactions that are easilyunderstandable and immediate. Automated systems, stored programs, andmethods are needed to improve e-commerce transactions for purchasers ofproducts and related contractor services.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example block diagram showing a certification computersystem network as per an aspect of various embodiments.

FIG. 2 is an example flow diagram of certifying third-party contractorsas per an aspect of an embodiment.

FIG. 3 in an example flow diagram of certifying partially-certifiedcontractors as per an aspect of an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an example block diagram showing an e-commerce computer systemnetwork as per an aspect of various embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an example flow diagram of placing a product code and aservice code in an electronic shopping cart as per an aspect of anembodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing environment in which aspects ofembodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure automaticallycertify third-party contractors. At least some embodiments of thepresent disclosure automatically select a certified contractor(s) based,at least in part, on a purchase of at least one product with at leastone contractor service. At least some embodiments of the presentdisclosure offer improvements over existing contractor certifyingsystems, programs, and methods. These improvements include but are notlimited to: more efficient certification of third-party contractors,more accurate certification of third-party contractors, more efficientselection of a certified contractor(s) who is certified to perform theat least one contractor service, and/or more efficient transfer of datafrom the purchaser employing a purchaser computer system(s) to thecertified contractor(s) employing a contractor device(s).

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure automaticallypartially certify third-party contractors. At least some embodiments ofthe present disclosure offer improvements over existing contractorcertifying systems, programs, and methods. These improvements includebut are not limited to: more efficient identification of third-partycontractors who are nearly ready for certification, more efficientcommunication of requirements missing for certification to third-partycontractors employing contractor devices, more efficient certificationof third-party contractors, and/or more accurate certification ofthird-party contractors.

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure automatically placea product code and a service code in an electronic shopping cartpresented by a second party to a first-party purchaser. At least someembodiments of the present disclosure automatically map products withcontractor services. At least some embodiments of the present disclosureoffer improvements over existing e-commerce systems, programs, andmethods that are not configured to automatically enable a purchase of aproduct(s) with a related contractor service(s) in a single transaction.These improvements include but are not limited to: more efficientpurchasing of products and related contractor services, a greateroffering of products that may require contractor services for sellersemploying e-commerce systems, programs, and methods, and/or moreefficient transfers of funds from purchasers to contractors.

FIG. 1 is an example block diagram showing a certification computersystem network 100 as per an aspect of various embodiments. The computersystem network 100 may comprise at least one certification computersystem 150, at least one data storage device 140, and a plurality ofcontractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179). The at least one certificationcomputer system 150, the at least one data storage device 140, and theplurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179) may communicatethrough employment of a global computer network (for example theInternet). Communication through employment of the global computernetwork may further employ at least one application, website, digitalportal, Application Programming Interface (API), electronic message,digital file, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one certificationcomputer system 150 may be programmed to access at least one datastorage device 140. The at least one certification computer system 150may be programmed to receive contractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) fromat least some of a plurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179).The contractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) may comprise, for example,company data, contact data, license data, geographic data, insurancedata, banking data, tax data, background data, employee data, skill setdata, equipment data, training data, contractor requirement data, drugtest data, at least one digital photo, combinations thereof, and/or thelike. Company data may comprise data on an entity or an employerassociated with at least one third-party contractor. License data maycomprise a reference to at least one license and/or certificationachieved by at least one third-party contractor. Geographic data maycomprise at least one location comprising a GPS position, a streetaddress, zip code(s), city (or cities), county (or counties),combinations thereof, and/or the like. Banking data may comprise atleast one reference to a bank, bank account, trust account, creditaccount, merchant exchange, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Taxdata may comprise taxpayer identification data. Background data maycomprise at least one result from at least one background check,extended background check, combinations thereof, and/or the like.Employee data may comprise data related to employees of at least onethird-party contractor. Skill set data may comprise data related to atleast one skill. Skill set data may comprise at least one corecompetency. Skill set data may comprise an acknowledgement of at leastone of a plurality of specific skill sets. Equipment data may comprisedata on at least one tool, at least one vehicle, at least one piece ofequipment, combinations thereof, and/or the like accessible by at leastone third-party contractor. Training data may comprise data on at leastone training class, training session, and/or training certificationattended or achieved by a third-party contractor. Contractor requirementdata may comprise at least one response to a contractor requirement.Drug test data may comprise at least one result for at least one basicand/or extended drug test.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least some contractordata may be sourced and/or communicated from a fourth party such as acertification agency, a licensing body, an insurance provider,combinations thereof, and/or the like. For example, one of a pluralityof third-party contractors may provide a license number. The licensenumber may be used to verify a current license with the fourth party(for example a government office and/or a licensing body).

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one certificationcomputer system 150 may be programmed to transform at least a portion ofcontractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) into certification data 152.Certification data 152 may comprise at least one certification. The atleast one certification computer system 150 may be programmed tocommunicate the certification data 152 to at least one data storagedevice 140. The at least one certification computer system 150 may beprogrammed to update a least a portion of certification data 141 storedin the at least one data storage device 140. The at least onecertification computer system 150 may be programmed to retrieve thecertification data 141 from the at least one data storage device 140.

According to some of the various embodiments, computer system network100 may comprise at least one e-commerce computer system 110, and atleast one purchaser computer system 130. The at least one e-commercecomputer system 110 and the at least one purchaser computer system 130may communicate through employment of a global computer network. Thee-commerce computer system 110 may be programmed to communicate at leastone product with at least one contractor service 111 to at least one ofthe at least one purchaser computer system 130. At least one of the atleast one purchaser computer system 130 may be programmed to acceptselection of at least one of the at least one product with at least onecontractor service 111 from a purchaser employing one of the at leastone purchaser computer system 130. The at least one purchaser computersystem 130 may be programmed to communicate selection of at least onepurchase 131 to one of the at least one e-commerce computer system 110.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one e-commercecomputer system 110 may communicate with at least one certificationcomputer system 150 through employment of a global computer network. Theat least one e-commerce computer system 110 may be programmed tocommunicate at least one electronic service request 112 to the at leastone certification computer system 150. The at least one electronicservice request 112 may be based, at least in part, on a purchase of atleast one product with at least one contractor service 131. The purchasemay comprise a completed financial transaction. The purchase of the atleast one product may be transacted simultaneously (or nearsimultaneously) with the purchase of the at least one contractorservice. The at least one product may comprise a new product, a retailproduct, a product that may require at least one contractor service,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The at least one electronicservice request 112 may be based, at least in part, on the purchase 131placed through employment of an application, website, digital portal,Application Programming Interface (API), combinations thereof, and/orthe like provided by the at least one e-commerce computer system 110.The at least one purchase 131 may be based, at least in part, on a scanof a UPC (Universal Product Code), a QR (Quick Response) code, or abarcode on a product, product packaging, product card, productadvertisement, contractor service card, contractor serviceadvertisement, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The scan may beelectronically communicated to the at least one e-commerce computersystem 110. Electronic service request 112 may comprise service data forat least one contractor service. Electronic service request 112 maycomprise at least one target service date and/or time period. Electronicservice request 112 may comprise at least one service code.

According to some of the various embodiments, each of at least oneservice code may be mapped to a classification of service required. Theat least one service code may be based, at least in part, on contractorservice data 151 communicated from at least one certification computersystem 150. A standardization of contractor services may comprise aplurality of service codes. At least one of the plurality of servicecodes may each comprise at least one task. At least one of the pluralityof service codes may each comprise at least one non-task. A non-task isa task that may not be included in a contractor service and/or servicecode. The standardization may comprise a mapping of contractor servicesto service codes. A service code may be associated with a plurality ofcontractor services. The standardization may comprise a mapping ofproducts to service codes. At least one of the plurality of servicecodes may comprise at least one additional task (in other words anadd-on). The standardization may comprise at least one pricing standard.The at least one pricing standard may be based, at least in part, on atleast one location, median income of the at least one location, skillsrequired to complete at least one contractor service associated with aservice code, an expected number of third-party contractors required tocomplete at least one contractor service associated with a service code,combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one certificationcomputer system 150 may be programmed to communicate at least oneelectronic service work order 153 to one (for example 171) of aplurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179). The at least onecertification computer system 150 may be programmed to present the atleast one electronic service work order 153 to an established network ofcertified contractors. Presentation of the at least one electronicservice work order 153 may be viewed through employment of at least oneof the plurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179). Theestablished network of certified contractors may comprise at least aportion of a plurality of third-party contractors.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one certificationcomputer system 150 may be programmed to receive additional contractordata (180, 181 . . . 189) from at least some of a plurality ofcontractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179). The additional contractor data(180, 181 . . . 189) may comprise at least one contractor request. Theat least one contractor request may comprise a request for considerationfor selection of at least one contractor service. The at least onecontractor request may comprise a name and/or identifier of at least onethird-party contractor to perform the at least one contractor service.The at least one contractor request may comprise a bid for the at leastone contractor service. The at least one contractor service may beassociated with at least one electronic service work order 153. The bidmay comprise a lower price than a contractor payment specified in the atleast one electronic service work order 153. The lower price maycomprise a labor price and/or a price for materials required to completeat least one contractor service. The bid may comprise an hourly rateand/or a fixed price for at least one contractor service. At least oneof the at least one contractor request may comprise at least oneproposed date and/or at least one proposed time. The proposed date maybe associated with a start date and/or an end date for at least onecontractor service. The proposed time may be associated with a starttime and/or an end time for at least one contractor service. The atleast one contractor request may comprise document(s), photo(s),comment(s), combinations thereof, and/or the like supporting other dataprovided in the at least one contractor request. Acceptance of the atleast one contractor request by the at least one certification computersystem 150 may be based, at least in part, on at least a portion of theadditional contractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) and/or at least aportion of certification data 141.

FIG. 2 is an example flow diagram of certifying third-party contractorsas per an aspect of an embodiment. A certification computer system (forexample 150) may be programmed to perform a method of automaticallycertifying at least one third-party contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product. The certification computersystem (for example 150) may be programmed to perform the method ofautomatically certifying at least one third-party contractor accordingto third-party certification requirements provided by a manufacturer,wholesaler, merchant, retailer, e-commerce retailer, combinationsthereof, and/or the like. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronically receivingcontractor data (for example 180, 181 . . . 189) at the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) from a plurality of contractor devices(for example 170, 171 . . . 179) at 210. The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically storing at least a portion of the contractor data (forexample 180) as certification data (for example 152) in at least one ofat least one data storage device (for example 140) at 220.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically certifying at least one of a plurality of third-partycontractors as at least one certified contractor based, at least inpart, on certification data (for example 141) at 230. At least some ofthe plurality of third-party contractors may be licensed contractors.Persons skilled in the art will recognize that licensed contractors mayneed additional certification to satisfy at least one contractorrequirement. The method performed by the certification computer system(for example 150) may comprise automatically certifying at least aportion of the plurality of third-party contractors based at least inpart on: the certification data (for example 141) and the at least onecontractor requirement. The at least one contractor requirement may beelectronically provided by a manager of an e-commerce computer system(for example 110). For example, the at least one contractor requirementmay comprise a passing result of at least one electronic examination(for example 160). The at least one electronic examination (for example160) may, for example, comprise questions with multi-choice answers. Theat least one electronic examination (for example 160) may, for example,be provided with at least one electronic source material. The at leastone electronic source material may comprise electronic document(s),electronic manual(s), digital audio, digital video(s), digital photo(s),combinations thereof, and/or the like. The at least one contractorrequirement may, for example, comprise a number of times an electronicexamination (for example 160) may be taken. The at least one contractorrequirement may, for example, comprise a minimum result for at least oneelectronic examination (for example 160). The at least one contractorrequirement may, for example, comprise a minimum amount of professionalexperience. The at least one contractor requirement may, for example,comprise a request for results of an extended background check, anextended drug test, a combination thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically updating certification data (for example 141) with atleast one certification. The at least one certification may, forexample, comprise a certification status, a certification type, acertification level, a group identifier, combinations thereof, and/orthe like. The at least one certification may be based, at least in part,on at least one contractor requirement. The at least one certificationmay, for example, comprise a manufacturer certification, a productcertification, a service certification, a task certification, anindustry certification, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Forexample, the manufacturer certification may be based, at least in part,on result(s) of an electronic examination (for example 160) provided bya manufacturer to at least one third-party contractor. A productcertification may, for example, be based, at least in part, on result(s)of an electronic examination (for example 160) based on at least oneproduct. A product certification may, for example, be based, at least inpart, on a minimum amount of professional experience with at least oneproduct. A service certification may, for example, be based, at least inpart, on a minimum amount of professional experience performing at leastone contractor service. A task certification may, for example, be based,at least in part, on a minimum amount of professional experienceperforming at least one task.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically updating certification data (for example 141) with atleast one completed job. The method performed by a certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronically updatingcertification data (for example 141) with a satisfaction rating. Thesatisfaction rating may be based, at least in part, on at least oneconsumer feedback survey received by the certification computer system(for example 150). The method performed by a certification computersystem (for example 150) may comprise electronically updatingcertification data (for example 141) with a performance rating. Theperformance rating may be based, at least in part, on a historical datarelated to a performance of a third-party contractor. The performancerating may, for example, be based, at least in part, on a time torespond to at least one contractor request. The performance rating may,for example, be based, at least in part, on a time period to complete atleast one previous job. The performance rating may, for example, bebased, at least in part, on a certification request. The performancerating may, for example, be based, at least in part, on an amount ofcontractor data received. The performance rating may, for example, bebased, at least in part, on at least one preference. The at least onepreference may be based, at least in part, on contact data and/orbanking data. The performance rating may, for example, be based, atleast in part, on employee data. The performance rating may, forexample, be based, at least in part, on bid data.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically testing at least one of a plurality of third-partycontractors through employment of at least one electronic examination(for example 160). The at least one electronic examination (for example160) may be accessible via the certification computer system (forexample 150). At least one stored electronic examination (for example145) may be retrieved by the certification computer system (for example150) from at least one of at least one data storage device (for example140). The at least one stored electronic examination (for example 145)retrieved from the at least one of at least one data storage device (forexample 140) may be transformed by the certification computer system 150into the at least one electronic examination (for example 160)communicated to at least one third-party contractor through employmentof a contractor device (for example 170). A transformation of the atleast one stored electronic examination (for example 145) may be based,at least in part, on certification data (for example 141), at least oneelectronic service request (for example 112), location data of the atleast one third-party contractor, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically certifying at least one of a plurality of third-partycontractors as at least one certified contractor based, at least inpart, on at least one result from at least one electronic examination(for example 160). The at least one result may be based, at least inpart, on at least one electronic examination response (for example 190)from a contractor device (for example 170) associated with the at leastone of the plurality of third-party contractors.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting a certified contractor. Selection of thecertified contractor may be based, at least in part, on certificationdata (for example 141). The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise automatically selectingthe certified contractor based, at least in part, on location data. Thelocation data may comprise data related to: a location of a purchaser, alocation specified in an electronic service request (for example 112), alocation that may be part of a list of locations available forcontractor services, a location of a contractor service area, at least apart of the certification data (for example 141), combinations thereof,and/or the like. The location of a purchaser may, for example, comprisea GPS position, street address, zip code, city, county, combinationsthereof, and/or the like. The location of the contractor service areamay, for example, comprise a GPS position, street address, zip code,city, county, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The location datamay be employed to filter through a plurality of certified contractorsidentified in the certification data (for example 141). The filter maybe based, at least in part, on a location, a radius from a location,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting the certified contractor based, at least inpart, on availability data. The availability data may comprise datarelated to availability of at least one certified contractor. Theavailability may be matched to one of at least one target service dateand/or time period. The availability may be matched to one of at leastone target service date and matched to at least one adjacent timeperiod. The availability may, for example, be based, at least in part,on a number of jobs (scheduled and/or completed) per hour, day, week,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The availability may, forexample, be based, at least in part, on a number of work hours per day(scheduled and/or completed) and/or work hours per week (scheduledand/or completed). The availability data may be communicated to thecertification computer system (for example 150) as at least a part ofcontractor data (for example 180, 181 . . . 189). The method performedby the certification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting the certified contractor based, at least inpart, on job threshold data. The job threshold data may comprise datarelated to a job threshold. The job threshold may comprise a history ofcompleted jobs. The history of completed jobs may be based, at least inpart, on at least one contractor service type. The at least onecontractor service type may, for example, comprise a category ofcontractor services (for example electrical) and/or at least one skillset associated with at least one category (for example residentialelectrical). The method performed by the certification computer system(for example 150) may comprise automatically selecting the certifiedcontractor based, at least in part, on satisfaction rating data. Thesatisfaction rating data may comprise data related to a minimumsatisfaction rating. The method performed by the certification computersystem (for example 150) may comprise automatically selecting thecertified contractor based, at least in part, on performance ratingdata. The performance rating data may comprise data related to at leastone minimum performance rating. The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting the certified contractor based, at least inpart, on expiration data. The expiration data may comprise data relatedto at least one expiration period. The expiration period may becalculated from the time an electronic service work order (for example153) is created or communicated to at least one (for example 171) of aplurality of contractor devices (for example 170, 171 . . . 179). Theexpiration period may comprise a fixed or dynamic number of hours ordays. For example, if no certified contractor has been selected at theend of an expiration period comprising 48 hours, a geographic searcharea (for example number of zip codes, radius from city center, radiusfrom location, etc.) may be increased. For example, if no certifiedcontractor has been selected at the end of an expiration periodcomprising 3 days, at least one job threshold may be temporarily orpermanently reduced. For example, if no certified contractor has beenselected at the end of an expiration period comprising 24 hours, theminimum for at least one satisfaction rating and/or performance ratingmay be temporarily or permanently reduced. For example, if no certifiedcontractor has been selected at the end of an expiration periodcomprising 1 day, at least one commission fee may be reduced. Forexample, if no certified contractor has been selected at the end of anexpiration period comprising 36 hours, a payment offered to at least onecontractor for at least one contractor service may be increased.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically receiving an electronic service request (for example 112)at 240. The electronic service request (for example 112) may becommunicated from an e-commerce computer system (for example 110) to thecertification computer system (for example 150). The electronic servicerequest (for example 112) may be based, at least in part, on at leastone purchase (for example 131) of at least one product with at least onecontractor service (for example 111). The at least one purchase may bemade in electronic communication with a purchaser computer system (forexample 130). The e-commerce computer system (for example 110) may bemanaged, for example, by a manufacturer, wholesaler, merchant, retailer,e-commerce retailer, combinations thereof, and/or the like. A purchasermay employ at least one purchaser computer system (for example 130) tocomplete the at least one purchase (for example 131). The purchaser may,for example, be a consumer (for example residential, wholesale,commercial, and/or business).

According to some of the various embodiments, an electronic servicerequest (for example 112) may comprise purchaser data, product data,service data, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The purchaser datamay comprise location data. The location data may comprise a GPSposition, a mailing address, a delivery address, a billing address,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The product data may comprise atleast one product code (for example a SKU). The service data maycomprise at least one service code (for example a SKU). The electronicservice request (for example 112) may comprise service data on at leastone contractor service. The at least one contractor service may compriseat least one measurement, an installation, an assembly, a delivery, aninspection, a warranty certification, a repair under warranty, areplacement under warranty, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Theat least one measurement may be associated with a proposed installationof at least one product. The at least one product may comprise a newproduct, a factory refurbished product, a third party refurbishedproduct, a dealer refurbished product, a distributor refurbishedproduct, an open box product, new old stock, a used product,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The inspection may be associatedwith a proposed installation of the at least one product. The warrantycertification may be associated with an installed product and/orinstallation of the at least one product. The repair under warranty maybe associated with an installed product. The replacement under warrantymay be associated with an installed product and the at least oneproduct.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically creating an electronic service work order (for example153) at 250. The electronic service work order (for example 153) may bebased, at least in part, on an electronic service request (for example112). The electronic service work order (for example 153) may compriseservice work order data. The service work order data may comprise atleast a portion of purchaser data, at least a portion of product data,at least a portion of service data, at least a portion of contractorpayment data, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The purchaser datamay comprise contact data for a purchaser. The contact data may beprovided by the purchaser through employment of a purchaser computersystem (for example 130). The contact data may be downloaded from a datastorage device accessible by an e-commerce computer system (for example110). The data storage device (for example 110) may comprise accountdata associated with the purchaser. Product data may comprise data on atleast one purchased product. Service data may comprise data on at leastone purchased contractor service. Contractor payment data may comprise apayment offered for at least one certified contractor for completing atleast one contractor service. The electronic service work order (forexample 153) may comprise installation instructions provided by at leastone manufacturer, assembly instructions provided by at least onemanufacturer, warranty data for at least one product and/or service,task data, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The task data may beassociated with tasks required for at least one of the at least onepurchased contractor service. The task data may be associated with tasksnot included with at least one of the at least one purchased contractorservice. The electronic service work order (for example 153) maycomprise a Turn Around Time (TAT) goal. A Turn Around Time goal maycomprise a time duration starting at time of purchase of the at leastone purchased contractor service to time of completion of the at leastone purchased contractor service. The time of completion may becommunicated from a contractor device (for example 171) to thecertification computer system (for example 150).

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting a certified contractor from at least twocertified contractors at 260. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronicallycommunicating an electronic service work order (for example 153) to thecertified contractor at 270. The certified contractor may receive theelectronic service work order (for example 153) through employment of atleast one contractor device (for example 171). The at least onecontractor device (for example 171) may comprise multiple devices suchas server(s), computer(s), mobile device(s), wearable device(s),combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically communicating an electronic service work order (forexample 153) to at least one certified contractor. Each of the at leastone certified contractor may employ at least one of a plurality ofcontractor devices (for example 170, 171 . . . 179) to view theelectronic service work order (for example 153). The method performed bythe certification computer system (for example 150) may comprisereceiving at least one electronic service work order response from atleast one of the at least one certified contractor. Each of the at leastone electronic service work order response may comprise identificationdata of at least one responding certified contractor. The methodperformed by the certification computer system (for example 150) maycomprise automatically selecting a certified contractor from at leastone responding certified contractor. Selection of the certifiedcontractor may be based, at least in part, on an order of electronicservice work order responses received.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically communicating an electronic service order confirmation toa purchaser. The purchaser may employ a purchaser computer system (forexample 130). The purchaser computer system (for example 130) maycomprise multiple devices such as server(s), computer(s), mobiledevice(s), wearable device(s), combinations thereof, and/or the like.Electronically communicating an electronic service order confirmationmay comprise a mobile phone number, a mobile identification number, anemail address, an IP address, a URL, combinations thereof, and/or thelike. The method performed by the certification computer system (forexample 150) may comprise electronically communicating a consumerfeedback survey to the purchaser. The consumer feedback survey may beelectronically communicated with a service receipt. The method performedby the certification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically receiving consumer feedback survey data from thepurchaser computer system (for example 130). The consumer feedbacksurvey data may, for example, comprise at least one satisfaction ratingfor at least one third-party contractor and/or purchased contractorservice.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically receiving shipping data from an e-commerce computersystem (for example 110). The method performed by a certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronically receivingat least one shipping update from an e-commerce computer system (forexample 110). One of the at least one shipping update may comprisedelivery data of at least one product. The shipping data may, forexample, comprise tracking data, delivery confirmation data, contractedshipping company data, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically receiving service progress data from at least one of aplurality of contractor devices (for example 171). The service progressdata may be associated with at least one contractor service specified inan electronic service work order (for example 153). The service progressdata may comprise at least one service date. The service progress datamay comprise data associated with at least one closing event. The atleast one closing event may comprise closing data required by acertified contractor to validate completion of at least one contractorservice. The closing data may comprise a code, a photographic file, timespent on site, at least one completed task, at least one additional taskrequired to complete the at least one completed task, at least oneexpense, combinations thereof, and/or the like. At least one closingevent may be required prior to releasing funds paid by a purchaser tothe certified contractor for completing at least a portion of at leastone of the at least one contractor service. Funds may be held by amanager of an e-commerce computer system, a merchant exchange carrier, acontractor service provider, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Thefunds may be held in an electronically accessible escrow trust account.The funds may be electronically transferred to the certified contractorthrough employment of banking data.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically generating a contractor network report. The contractornetwork report may comprise performance data for at least one certifiedcontractor and/or an established network of certified contractors. Theestablished network of certified contractors may comprise at least aportion of a plurality of third-party contractors. The establishednetwork of certified contractors may be based, at least in part, on atleast one contractor requirement. The performance data may, for example,comprise at least one average fulfillment rate, at least one averagetime to assignment, an average cost of at least one contractor service,combinations thereof, and/or the like. The contractor network report maycomprise service data related to at least one electronic service request(for example 112), at least one service code, combinations thereof,and/or the like. The method performed by a certification computer system(for example 150) may comprise electronically communicating thecontractor network report to a manager of an e-commerce computer system(for example 110). Electronically communicating the contractor networkreport may comprise a mobile phone number, a mobile identificationnumber, an email address, an IP address, a URL, combinations thereof,and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a tangible, non-transitorydata storage medium may comprise an indicia of instructions for acertification computer system 150 to perform an automated method ofcertifying at least one third-party contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product. The certification computersystem 150 may be coupled to a global computer network with access to atleast one data storage device 140. The automated method performedaccording to the instructions may comprise electronically receivingcontractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) at the certification computersystem 150 from a plurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179).The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise electronically storing the contractor data (180, 181 . . . 189)as certification data 152 in at least one of the at least one datastorage device 140. The automated method performed according to theinstructions may comprise automatically certifying at least one of aplurality of third-party contractors as at least one certifiedcontractor based, at least in part, on certification data 141. Theautomated method performed according to the instructions may compriseelectronically receiving an electronic service request 112 communicatedfrom an e-commerce computer system 110 to the certification computersystem 150. The electronic service request 112 may be based, at least inpart, on at least one purchase of at least one product with at least onecontractor service 131 made in electronic communication with a purchasercomputer system 130. The automated method performed according to theinstructions may comprise automatically creating an electronic servicework order 153 based, at least in part, on the electronic servicerequest 112. The automated method performed according to theinstructions may comprise automatically selecting a certified contractorfrom the at least one certified contractor. The automated methodperformed according to the instructions may comprise electronicallycommunicating the electronic service work order 153 to the certifiedcontractor. The certified contractor may employ at least one contractordevice 171 to receive the electronic service work order 153.

FIG. 3 in an example flow diagram of certifying partially-certifiedcontractors as per an aspect of an embodiment. A method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically receiving contractor data (for example 180, 181 . . .189) at the certification computer system (for example 150) from aplurality of contractor devices (for example 170, 171 . . . 179) at 310.The method performed by the certification computer system (for example150) may comprise electronically storing at least a portion of thecontractor data (for example 180, 181 . . . 189) as certification data(for example 152) in at least one of at least one data storage device(for example 140) at 320.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may comprise partiallycertifying, automatically, at least one of a plurality of third-partycontractors as at least one partially-certified contractor based, atleast in part, on certification data (for example 141) at 330. Themethod performed by the certification computer system (for example 150)may comprise partially certifying, automatically, at least one of theplurality of third-party contractors based at least in part on: thecertification data (for example 141) and at least one contractorrequirement. The method performed by the certification computer system(for example 150) may comprise electronically receiving an electronicservice request (for example 112) communicated from an e-commercecomputer system (for example 110) to the certification computer system(for example 150) at 340. The electronic service request (for example112) may be based, at least in part, on at least one purchase (forexample 131) of at least one product with at least one contractorservice (for example 111) made in electronic communication with apurchaser computer system (for example 130). The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically creating an electronic service work order (for example153) based, at least in part, on the electronic service request (forexample 112) at 350. The method performed by the certification computersystem (for example 150) may comprise electronically communicating atleast one certification request (for example 129) to the at least onepartially-certified contractor at 360. The at least onepartially-certified contractor may be selected from a plurality ofpartially-certified contractors based, at least in part, on the lengthof time expected to complete the at least one certification request (forexample 129). The at least one certification request (for example 129)may comprise at least one stored electronic examination (for example145) accessible via the certification computer system (for example 150).The at least one certification request (for example 129) may be based,at least in part, on the certification data (for example 141), servicedata from an electronic service request (for example 112), an electronicservice work order (for example 153), combinations thereof, and/or thelike. The at least one certification request (for example 129) may becommunicated to the at least one partially-certified contractor at leastone additional time until at least one electronic response to the atleast one certification request (for example 129) is received.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically certifying at least one partially-certified contractor asat least one certified contractor based, at least in part, on at leastone electronic response to at least one certification request (forexample 129) at 370. The at least one partially-certified contractor maybe a member of an established network of partially-certifiedcontractors. The established network of partially-certified contractorsmay comprise at least a portion of a plurality of third-partycontractors. The established network of partially-certified contractorsmay be based, at least in part, on at least one contractor requirement.The established network of partially-certified contractors may be based,at least in part, on at least one electronic response to at least oneelectronic invitation. The method performed by a certification computersystem (for example 150) may comprise automatically receiving at leastone bid from at least one partially-certified contractor. The at leastone bid may be submitted in at least one electronic reverse auction. Theat least one partially-certified contractor may be a member of at leastone established network of partially-certified contractors. The at leastone electronic response may be electronically communicated from at leastone (for example 179) of a plurality of contractor devices (for example170, 171 . . . 179) to the certification computer system (for example150). The method performed by the certification computer system (forexample 150) may comprise automatically selecting a certified contractorfrom the at least one certified contractor at 380. Selection of thecertified contractor may be based, at least in part, on an order ofelectronic responses received. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronicallycommunicating an electronic service work order (for example 153) to thecertified contractor at 390.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically updating certification data (for example 141) with atleast one partial certification. The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically updating certification data (for example 141) with atleast one certification. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise automatically updatingcertification data (for example 141) with at least one additionalcontractor service type. The at least one additional contractor servicetype may be related to an existing contractor service type. For example,third-party contractors certified as residential electricians may beable to accept electronic service work orders (for example 153) forelectrical tasks on new and/or existing air conditioning systems and/orcomponents.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may comprise partiallycertifying, automatically, at least one of a plurality of third-partycontractors as at least one partially-certified contractor based, atleast in part, on at least one result from at least one electronicexamination (for example 160). The at least one result may be based, atleast in part, on at least one electronic examination response (forexample 190) from a contractor device (for example 170) associated withthe at least one of the plurality of third-party contractors. The methodperformed by the certification computer system (for example 150) maycomprise electronically testing at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor through employment of at least oneelectronic examination (for example 160). The at least one electronicexamination (for example 160) may be accessible via the certificationcomputer system (for example 150). The method performed by thecertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically certifying at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor based, at least in part, on at least oneresult from at least one electronic examination (for example 160).

According to some of the various embodiments, a tangible, non-transitorydata storage medium may comprise an indicia of instructions for acertification computer system 150 to perform an automated method ofcertifying at least one third-party contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product. The certification computersystem 150 may be coupled to a global computer network with access to atleast one data storage device 140. The automated method performedaccording to the instructions may comprise electronically receivingcontractor data (180, 181 . . . 189) at the certification computersystem 150 from a plurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179).The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise electronically storing the contractor data (180, 181 . . . 189)as certification data 152 in at least one of the at least one datastorage device 140. The automated method performed according to theinstructions may comprise partially certifying, automatically, at leastone of a plurality of third-party contractors as at least onepartially-certified contractor based, at least in part, on certificationdata 141. The automated method performed according to the instructionsmay comprise electronically receiving an electronic service request 112communicated from an e-commerce computer system 110 to the certificationcomputer system 150. The electronic service request 112 may be based, atleast in part on, at least one purchase 131 of at least one product withat least one contractor service 111 made in electronic communicationwith a purchaser computer system 130. The automated method performedaccording to the instructions may comprise automatically creating anelectronic service work order 153 based, at least in part, on theelectronic service request 112. The automated method performed accordingto the instructions may comprise electronically communicating at leastone certification request 129 to the at least one partially-certifiedcontractor. The automated method performed according to the instructionsmay comprise automatically certifying at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor as at least one certified contractorbased, at least in part, on a certification response to at least one ofthe at least one certification request 129. The automated methodperformed according to the instructions may comprise automaticallyselecting a certified contractor from the at least one certifiedcontractor. The automated method performed according to the instructionsmay comprise electronically communicating the electronic service workorder 153 to the certified contractor. The certified contractor mayemploy at least one contractor device 171 to receive the electronicservice work order 153.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseautomatically selecting a first certified contractor for each locationin a plurality of locations. Selection of the first certified contractormay be based, at least in part, on skill set data, wholesale price data,satisfaction rating data, performance rating data, job threshold data,certification data (for example 141), combinations thereof, and/or thelike. The wholesale price data may comprise data related to at least oneprice a certified contractor desires to complete at least one contractorservice. The method performed by a certification computer system (forexample 150) may comprise automatically selecting a second certifiedcontractor for at least one location in the plurality of locations.Selection of the second certified contractor may be based, at least inpart, on skill set data, wholesale price data, satisfaction rating data,performance rating data, job threshold data, certification data (forexample 141), combinations thereof, and/or the like. The methodperformed by the certification computer system (for example 150) maycomprise automatically selecting a third certified contractor for atleast one location in the plurality of locations. Selection of the thirdcertified contractor may be based, at least in part, on skill set data,wholesale price data, satisfaction rating data, performance rating data,job threshold data, certification data (for example 141), combinationsthereof, and/or the like. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronicallycommunicating a first amount (for example 153) of a plurality ofelectronic service work orders to the first certified contractor. Thefirst certified contractor may employ at least one contractor device(for example 171) to receive the first amount (for example 153) of aplurality of electronic service work orders. The first amount maycomprise a fixed percentage, a dynamic percentage, a fixed number, adynamic number, at least one result from an automated optimizationprocess, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The first amount may bebased, at least in part, on at least a portion of certification data(for example 141), at least one electronic service request (for example112), availability of the first certified contractor, an expirationperiod, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The automatedoptimization process may be configured to compute an amount based, atleast in part, on skill set data, wholesale price data, satisfactionrating data, performance rating data, job threshold data, certificationdata, contractor data, service data, contractor service data, locationdata, availability data, expiration data, product data, service workorder data, service progress data, performance data, combinationsthereof, and/or the like. The method performed by the certificationcomputer system (for example 150) may comprise electronicallycommunicating a second amount of a plurality of electronic service workorders to the second certified contractor. The second amount maycomprise a fixed percentage, a dynamic percentage, a fixed number, adynamic number, at least one result from an automated optimizationprocess, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The second amount may bebased, at least in part, on at least a portion of certification data(for example 141), the at least one electronic service request (forexample 112), availability of the first and/or second certifiedcontractor, an expiration period, combinations thereof, and/or the like.At least one electronic service work order may be electronicallycommunicated to the third certified contractor when the first certifiedcontractor and the second certified contractor have no availabilityand/or are not expected to meet a service goal. The service goal may,for example, comprise a TAT, a service price, a satisfaction rating, aperformance rating, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The methodperformed by the certification computer system (for example 150) maycomprise automatically selecting the first certified contractor, thesecond certified contractor, and/or the third certified contractor froman established network of certified contractors. According to anembodiment, additional certified contractors may be selected.

According to some of the various embodiments, an established network ofcertified contractors may comprise at least a portion of a plurality ofthird-party contractors. The established network of certifiedcontractors may be based, at least in part, on at least a portion ofcertification data (for example 141). The established network ofcertified contractors may be based, at least in part, on electronicresponses to at least one electronic invitation. The electronicresponses may be communicated as part of contractor data (for example180, 181 . . . 189) from a plurality of contractor devices (for example170, 171 . . . 179). The at least one electronic invitation may compriseservice data from an electronic service request (for example 112). Amethod performed by a certification computer system (for example 150)may comprise automatically receiving at least one bid from at least onecertified contractor. The at least one bid may be submitted in at leastone electronic reverse auction. The at least one certified contractormay be a member of at least one established network of certifiedcontractors. A bid may, for example, comprise at least one date, atleast one time, at least one availability, a price for at least onecontractor service, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a tangible, non-transitorydata storage medium may comprise an indicia of instructions for acertification computer system 150 to perform an automated method ofselecting at least one certified contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product. The automated methodperformed according to the instructions may comprise automaticallyselecting a first certified contractor for each location in a pluralityof locations. The automated method performed according to theinstructions may comprise automatically selecting a second certifiedcontractor for at least one location in the plurality of locations. Theautomated method performed according to the instructions may compriseautomatically selecting a third certified contractor for at least onelocation in the plurality of locations. The automated method performedaccording to the instructions may comprise electronically communicatinga first amount 153 of a plurality of electronic service work orders tothe first certified contractor. The first certified contractor mayemploy at least one contractor device 171 to receive the first amount153 of a plurality of electronic service work orders. The automatedmethod performed according to the instructions may compriseelectronically communicating a second amount of a plurality ofelectronic service work orders to the second certified contractor. Theautomated method performed according to the instructions may compriseelectronically communicating at least one electronic service work orderto the third certified contractor when the first certified contractorand the second certified contractor are not expected to meet a servicegoal. The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise automatically selecting the first certified contractor, thesecond certified contractor, and/or the third certified contractor froman established network of certified contractors.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may comprise receivingtime bucket data from one (for example 170) of a plurality of contractordevices (for example 170, 171 . . . 179). The time bucket data may becommunicated as at least a portion of contractor data (for example 180).The time bucket data may be at least a portion of availability data. Thetime bucket data may comprise a plurality of time buckets. Each of theplurality of time buckets may comprise a time period during a work dayor a work week. The period of time may, for example, comprise a periodof 1 to 24 hours or 1 to 7 days. The period of time may be defined bythe certification computer system (for example 150), an e-commercecomputer system (for example 110), a certified contractor employing one(for example 170) of a plurality of contractor devices (for example 170,171 . . . 179), combinations thereof, and/or the like. The time bucketdata may comprise a number of jobs the certified contractor is willingto schedule for each of the plurality of time buckets. The number ofjobs may be specific to a particular set of tasks required for at leastone contractor service. The number of jobs may be specific to aparticular contractor service type. The time bucket data may becommunicated to the certification computer system (for example 150) on adaily, weekly, and/or monthly basis.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by acertification computer system (for example 150) may compriseelectronically communicating a first amount (for example 153) of aplurality of electronic service work orders to a first certifiedcontractor until at least one time bucket for the first certifiedcontractor is full. The method performed by a certification computersystem (for example 150) may comprise electronically communicating asecond amount of a plurality of electronic service work orders to asecond certified contractor until at least one time bucket for thesecond certified contractor is full and so on.

According to some of the various embodiments, a tangible, non-transitorydata storage medium may comprise an indicia of instructions for acertification computer system 150 to perform an automated method ofselecting at least one certified contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product. The automated methodperformed according to the instructions may comprise electronicallyreceiving time bucket data from at least one contractor device of aplurality of contractor devices (170, 171 . . . 179). The automatedmethod performed according to the instructions may compriseelectronically communicating a first amount of a plurality of electronicservice work orders (for example 153) to a first certified contractoruntil at least one time bucket for the first certified contractor isfull. The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise electronically communicating a second amount of a plurality ofelectronic service work orders to a second certified contractor until atleast one time bucket for the second certified contractor is full and soon.

FIG. 4 is an example block diagram showing an e-commerce computer systemnetwork 400 as per an aspect of various embodiments. The e-commercecomputer system network 400 may comprise at least one e-commercecomputer system 410, at least one purchaser computer system 430, and atleast one mapping computer system 450. The at least one e-commercecomputer system 410, at least one purchaser computer system 430, and atleast one mapping computer system 450 may communicate through employmentof a global computer network (for example the Internet). Communicationthrough employment of the global computer network may further employ atleast one application, webpage, digital portal, Application ProgrammingInterface (API), electronic message, digital file, combinations thereof,and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one e-commercecomputer system 410 may be programmed to communicate a plurality ofproduct codes 411 to at least one mapping computer system 450. The atleast one mapping computer system 450 may be programmed to search the atleast one e-commerce computer system 410 for the plurality of productcodes 411. For example, the at least one mapping computer system 450 maybe programmed to search at least one webpage presented by the at leastone e-commerce computer system 410. The at least one webpage maycomprise instructions configured to present data associated with aplurality of products. According to some of the various embodiments,each of the plurality of product codes 411 may represent a product forsale, a set of products for sale, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one mappingcomputer system 450 may be programmed to map each of at least some of aplurality of product codes to one of a plurality of service codes. Atleast one e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to receivethe plurality of service codes 451 from the at least one mappingcomputer system 450. Each of the plurality of service codes 451 may bemapped to at least one of the plurality of product codes 411. Each ofthe plurality of service codes 451 may be associated with one product ora set of products. Each of the plurality of service codes 451 may bebased, at least in part, on at least one contractor service.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one contractorservice may be based, at least in part, on at least a portion of productdata (for example data comprising the type of product), measurementrequired, installation required, assembly required, inspection required,at least one task required, at least one non-task, combinations thereof,and/or the like. The at least one contractor service may be configuredto be performed by a third-party contractor. At least some of aplurality of service codes may be based, at least in part, on locationdata electronically communicated from a purchaser computer system 430and/or contact data of a purchaser employing the purchaser computersystem 430. A location of the purchaser computer system 430 may bedetermined at least in part through employment of a browser setting, anIP address, GPS position data, at least one Wi-Fi network, combinationsthereof, and/or the like. Each of the plurality of service codes mayrelate to at least one service price. The at least one service price maybe based, at least in part, on the location data and/or the contactdata. The at least one service price may be based, at least in part, onthe at least one contractor service. The at least one service price maybe based, at least in part, on a contract with at least one certifiedcontractor.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one e-commercecomputer system 410 may be programmed to receive a selection of at leastone product with at least one contractor service 431 from a purchasercomputer system 430. The selection from the purchaser computer system430 may comprise selection of an electronic button, a voice command, agesture, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The selection maycomprise a single selection. The electronic button may be presentedthrough employment of at least one: widget, application, script, plug-into an application, URL, API, combinations thereof, and/or the like. Theelectronic button may be based, at least in part, on at least oneservice code and/or at least one contractor service. A description ofthe electronic button may be based, at least in part, on at least oneservice code and/or at least one contractor service. A description ofthe electronic button may be based, at least in part, on a price for atleast one contractor service. The electronic button may be presentedafter an electronic validation procedure is automatically executed. Theelectronic validation procedure may be configured to validate a user, alocation, billing data, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The atleast one e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to create anelectronic shopping cart for a purchaser employing the purchasercomputer system 430. The at least one e-commerce computer system 410 maybe programmed to place a product code for the at least one product inthe electronic shopping cart. The at least one e-commerce computersystem 410 may be programmed to place a service code for the at leastone contractor service in the electronic shopping cart. The product codeand the service code may be placed in the electronic shopping cartsimultaneously (or near simultaneously). The at least one e-commercecomputer system 410 may be programmed to create the electronic shoppingcart comprising the product code and the service code. A combinationcode may represent the product code and the service code. The at leastone e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to place thecombination code in the electronic shopping cart. The at least onee-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to create theelectronic shopping cart comprising the combination code. The at leastone e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to present theelectronic shopping cart with the product code and the service code (orthe combination code) 412 to the purchaser computer system 430. Theelectronic shopping cart may be presented through employment of at leastone: widget, application, script, plug-in to an application, URL, API,combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one e-commercecomputer system 410 may be programmed to complete a shopping carttransaction with a purchaser computer system 430. The purchaser computersystem 430 may be programmed to complete the shopping cart transactionwith the at least one e-commerce computer system 410. The shopping carttransaction may comprise a single transaction. The at least onee-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed to receive terms ofservice 461 from at least one service processing computer system 460.The at least one e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmed tocommunicate the terms of service 413 to the purchaser computer system430. The at least one e-commerce computer system 410 may be programmedto receive acceptance of the terms of service 433 from the purchasercomputer system 430. The at least one e-commerce computer system 410 maybe programmed to communicate the acceptance of the terms of service 414to the at least one service processing computer system 460.

According to some of the various embodiments, at least one e-commercecomputer system 410 may be programmed to communicate at least oneelectronic service request 415 to at least one service processingcomputer system 460. The at least one electronic service request 415 maybe based, at least in part, on a purchase of at least one product withat least one contractor service 431. The purchase of the at least oneproduct may be transacted simultaneously (or near simultaneously) withthe purchase of the at least one contractor service. The purchase may beplaced through employment of an application, webpage, digital portal,Application Programming Interface (API), combinations thereof, and/orthe like provided by the at least one e-commerce computer system 410.The purchase may be based, at least in part, on a scan of a UPC, a QRcode, or a barcode on a product, product packaging, product card,product advertisement, contractor service card, contractor serviceadvertisement, combinations thereof, and/or the like. The scan may beelectronically communicated to the at least one e-commerce computersystem 410. The electronic service request 415 may comprise service datafor at least one contractor service. The electronic service request 415may comprise at least one service code.

FIG. 5 is an example flow diagram of placing a product code and aservice code in an electronic shopping cart as per an aspect of anembodiment. An e-commerce computer system (for example 410) may beprogrammed to perform a method of selling at least one product with atleast one contractor service. The at least one contractor service may beconfigured to be performed by a third-party contractor. The methodperformed by the e-commerce computer system (for example 410) maycomprise electronically receiving at the e-commerce computer system (forexample 410), from a purchaser computer system (for example 430), aselection of at least one product with at least one contractor service(for example 431) at 510. The method performed by the e-commercecomputer system (for example 410) may comprise automatically placing aproduct code for the at least one product in an electronic shopping cartat 520. The method performed by the e-commerce computer system (forexample 410) may comprise automatically placing a service code for theat least one contractor service in the electronic shopping cart at 530.The service code (for example 451) may be electronically received at thee-commerce computer system (for example 410) from a mapping computersystem (for example 450). The service code (for example 451) may beautomatically derived by the mapping computing system (for example 450)programmed to map the at least one product with the at least onecontractor service. The service code (for example 451) may be based, atleast in part, on the product code and/or product data related to the atleast one product. The service code (for example 451) may be receivedfrom the mapping computer system (for example 450) prior to receivingthe selection of at least one product with at least one contractorservice (for example 431). For example, a plurality of service codes(for example 451) may be mapped to a plurality of product codes (forexample 411) for a plurality of products with contractor servicespresented to the purchaser computer system (for example 430). Accordingto some of the various embodiments, the service code (for example 451)may be received from the mapping computer system (for example 450) afterreceiving the selection of at least one product with at least onecontractor service (for example 431). For example, the e-commercecomputer system (for example 410) may be programmed to request a servicecode (for example 451) for a specific product code (for example 411)from the mapping computer system (for example 450). The e-commercecomputer system (for example 410) may, for example, be programmed todownload a service code (for example 451) for a specific product code(for example 411) from the mapping computer system (for example 450).According to some of the various embodiments, the method performed bythe e-commerce computer system (for example 410) may compriseelectronically completing a shopping cart transaction (for example 432)in electronic communication with the purchaser computer system (forexample 430) at 540. According to some of the various embodiments, themethod performed by the e-commerce computer system (for example 410) maycomprise electronically presenting the electronic shopping cart to thepurchaser computer system (for example 430) with a request (for example416) to complete a purchase of the at least one product and the at leastone contractor service at 540.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by ane-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise electronicallycommunicating first data to a purchaser computer system (for example430). The first data may be configured to present a first webpage on adisplay in communication with the purchaser computer system (for example430). The first webpage may comprise product data and contractor servicedata. The method performed by the e-commerce computer system (forexample 410) may comprise electronically communicating second data tothe purchaser computer system (for example 430). The method performed bythe e-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprisecommunicating the second data after receiving a selection of at leastone product with at least one contractor service (for example 431). Thesecond data may be configured to present a second webpage on a displayin communication with the purchaser computer system (for example 430).The second webpage may comprise shopping cart data (for example 412).The shopping cart data (for example 412) may comprise at least oneproduct code and at least one service code. The method performed by thee-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise electronicallycommunicating third data to the purchaser computer system (for example430). The third data may be configured to present terms of service (forexample 413) on a display in communication with the purchaser computersystem (for example 430). The terms of service (for example 413) may bepresented through employment of an application, webpage, digital portal,Application Programming Interface (API), combinations thereof, and/orthe like The terms of service (for example 413) may be presented withthe second data.

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by ane-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise electronicallycommunicating terms of service (for example 413) to a purchaser computersystem (for example 430). The method performed by the e-commercecomputer system (for example 410) may comprise electronically receivingan acceptance of the terms of service (for example 433) from thepurchaser computer system (for example 430). The method performed by thee-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise electronicallycommunicating the acceptance (for example 414) to a service processingcomputer system (for example 460). The service processing computersystem (for example 460) may be implemented as a module of a mappingcomputer system (for example 450).

According to some of the various embodiments, a method performed by ane-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise automaticallyremoving a service code from an electronic shopping cart based, at leastin part, on at least one invalidation. The at least one invalidation maybe based, at least in part, on a shipping address, billing address,and/or contact address. The shipping address and/or billing address maybe communicated by a purchaser computer system (for example 430). Theshipping address, billing address, and/or contact address may be storedin an account associated with a purchaser employing the purchasercomputer system (for example 430). The account may be accessible by thee-commerce computer system (for example 410). The method performed bythe e-commerce computer system (for example 410) may compriseelectronically completing a shopping cart transaction (for example 432)through employment of at least one merchant exchange computer system.The method performed by the e-commerce computer system (for example 410)may comprise electronically completing a purchase of at least oneproduct and at least one contractor service through employment of atleast one merchant exchange computer system. The method performed by thee-commerce computer system (for example 410) may comprise electronicallycommunicating an electronic service request (for example 415) to aservice processing computer system (for example 460). The electronicservice request (for example 415) may comprise a product code, a servicecode, purchaser contact data, combinations thereof, and/or the like.

According to some of the various embodiments, a tangible, non-transitorydata storage medium may comprise an indicia of instructions for ane-commerce computer system 410 to perform an automated method of sellingat least one product with at least one contractor service. Thee-commerce computer system 410 may be coupled to a global computernetwork with access to at least one data storage device. The automatedmethod performed according to the instructions may compriseelectronically receiving at the e-commerce computer system 410, from apurchaser computer system 430, a selection of at least one product withat least one contractor service 431. The automated method performedaccording to the instructions may comprise automatically placing aproduct code for the at least one product in an electronic shoppingcart. The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise automatically placing a service code for the at least onecontractor service in the electronic shopping cart. The service code 451may be electronically received at the e-commerce computer system 410from a mapping computer system 450. The service code 451 may be derivedby the mapping computing system 450 configured to map the at least oneproduct with the at least one contractor service. The automated methodperformed according to the instructions may comprise electronicallypresenting the electronic shopping cart 412 to the purchaser computersystem 430. The automated method performed according to the instructionsmay comprise electronically completing the shopping cart transaction 432in electronic communication with the purchaser computer system 430.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a computing environment in which aspects ofembodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced. The computingenvironment may comprise computing device 610. Components of computingdevice 610 may include, but are not limited to, a processing unit 620, asystem memory 630, and a system bus 621 that couples various systemcomponents including the system memory 630 to the processing unit 620.

Computing device 610 may comprise a variety of computer readable media.Computer readable media may be available media accessible by computingdevice 610 and may include both volatile and nonvolatile media,removable and non-removable media. By way of example, and notlimitation, computer readable media may comprise computer storage mediaand communication media. Computer storage media may comprise bothvolatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implementedin a method or technology for storage of data such as computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, other data, combinationsthereof, and/or the like. Computer storage media may comprise, but isnot limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flashmemory or other memory technology, compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical disk storage,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices, and/or any other medium which may be employedto store data and which may be accessed by computer 610. Communicationmedia may comprise computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules and/or other data in a modulated data signal such as acarrier wave and/or other transport mechanism and may comprise datadelivery media. The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that hasone or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as toencode data in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation,communication media includes wired media such as a wired network ordirect-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, radiofrequency (RF), infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of anyof the above may also be included within the scope of computer readablemedia.

The system memory 630 may comprise computer storage media in the form ofvolatile and/or nonvolatile memory such as ROM 631 and RAM 632. A basicinput/output system 633 (BIOS), containing the basic routines that helpto transfer data between elements within computer 610, such as duringstart-up, may be stored in ROM 631. RAM 632 may comprise data and/orprogram modules that may be accessible to and/or presently beingoperated on by processing unit 620. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 6 illustrates operating system 634, applicationprograms 635, other program modules 636, and program data 637.

The computing device 610 may also comprise other removable/non-removablevolatile/nonvolatile computer storage media. By way of example only,FIG. 6 illustrates a hard disk drive 641 that may read from or write tonon-removable, nonvolatile magnetic media, a magnetic disk drive 651that may read from or write to a removable, nonvolatile magnetic disk652, a flash drive reader 657 that may read flash drive 658, and anoptical disk drive 655 that may read from or write to a removable,nonvolatile optical disk 656 such as a CD ROM or other optical media.Other removable/non-removable, volatile/nonvolatile computer storagemedia that may be used in the operating environment include, but are notlimited to, magnetic tape cassettes, flash memory cards, digitalversatile disks, digital video tape, solid state RAM, solid state ROM,and the like. The hard disk drive 641 may be connected to the system bus621 through a non-removable memory interface such as interface 640, andmagnetic disk drive 651 and optical disk drive 655 may be connected tothe system bus 621 by a removable memory interface, such as interface650.

The drives and their associated computer storage media discussed aboveand illustrated in FIG. 6 provide storage of computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules and other data for thecomputer 610. In FIG. 6, for example, hard disk drive 641 is illustratedas storing operating system 644, application programs 645, program data647, and other program modules 646. Additionally, for example,non-volatile memory may include instructions for presenting images on adisplay 691 of computing device 600 and/or the like. Similarly,non-volatile memory may comprise instructions for causing thepresentation of images on the display of a remote computing device 680and/or the like. Display 691 and touch input 665 may be integrated intothe same device.

A user may enter commands and data into computing device 610 throughinput devices such as a touch input device 665, a keyboard 662, amicrophone 663, a camera 664, and a pointing device 661, such as amouse, trackball or touch pad. These and other input devices may beconnected to the processing unit 620 through interface 660 coupled tosystem bus 621, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port or a universal serial bus(USB). A display 691 or other type of display device may be connected tothe system bus 621 via an interface, such as a video interface 690.Other devices, such as, for example, speakers 697 and printer 696 may beconnected to the system via output interface 695.

The computing device 610 may be operated in a networked environmentusing logical connections to one or more remote computers, such as aremote computer 680. Remote computer 680 may be a personal computer, ahand-held device, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device orother common network node, and typically includes many or all of theelements described above relative to the computing device 610. Thelogical connections depicted in FIG. 6 include a local area network(LAN) 671 and a wide area network (WAN) 673, but may also include othernetworks. Such networking environments are commonplace in offices,enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets and the Internet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computing device 610 isconnected to the LAN 671 through a network interface or adapter 670.When used in a WAN networking environment, the computing device 610 maycomprise a modem 672 or other means for establishing communications overthe WAN 673, such as the Internet. The modem 672, which may be internalor external, may be connected to the system bus 681 via interface 660,or other appropriate mechanism. The modem 672 may be wired or wireless.Examples of wireless devices may comprise, but are not limited to: Wi-Fiand Bluetooth. In a networked environment, program modules depictedrelative to the computing device 610, or portions thereof, may be storedin the remote memory storage device. By way of example, and notlimitation, FIG. 6 illustrates remote application programs 685 asresiding on remote computer 680. It will be appreciated that the networkconnections shown are presented as examples only and other means ofestablishing a communications link between the computers may be used.

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide acertification computer system coupled to a global computer network withaccess to at least one data storage device and programmed to perform amethod of automatically certifying at least two of a plurality ofthird-party contractors to provide at least one contractor service withat least one product.

The method performed by the certification computer system may compriseelectronically receiving contractor data at the certification computersystem from a plurality of contractor devices.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically storing at least a portion of the contractordata as certification data in at least one of the at least one datastorage device.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically certifying at least two of the plurality ofthird-party contractors as at least two certified contractors based, atleast in part, on the certification data.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically receiving an electronic service requestcommunicated from an e-commerce computer system to the certificationcomputer system, the electronic service request based, at least in part,on at least one purchase of at least one product with at least onecontractor service made in electronic communication with a purchasercomputer system.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically creating an electronic service work order based,at least in part, on the electronic service request.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically selecting a certified contractor from the atleast two certified contractors.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating the electronic service work orderto the certified contractor.

At least some embodiments provide a certification computer systemcoupled to a global computer network with access to at least one datastorage device and a means for performing a method of automaticallycertifying at least two of a plurality of third-party contractors toprovide at least one contractor service with at least one product.

At least some of the plurality of third-party contractors may belicensed contractors.

The contractor data may comprise at least one contractor request forconsideration for selection of at least one contractor service.

The electronic service request may comprise at least one of: purchaserdata, product data, and service data.

The electronic service request may comprise service data on at least oneof the following contractor services: at least one measurement, aninstallation, an assembly, a delivery, an inspection, a warrantycertification, a repair under warranty, and a replacement underwarranty.

The electronic service work order may comprise task data.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically certifying at least a portion of the plurality ofthird-party contractors based at least in part on: the certificationdata, and at least one contractor requirement.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically updating the certification data with at leastone certification.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise: electronically testing at least one of the plurality ofthird-party contractors through employment of at least one examination,the at least one examination accessible via the certification computersystem, and automatically certifying at least one of the at least one ofthe plurality of third-party contractors as at least one certifiedcontractor based, at least in part, on at least one result from the atleast one examination.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically selecting the certified contractor based, atleast in part, on the certification data.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating a service order confirmation to apurchaser.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically receiving from the e-commerce computer system:shipping data and at least one shipping update, one of the at least oneshipping update comprising delivery data of the at least one product.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically receiving service progress data from at leastone of the plurality of contractor devices.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise: automatically generating a contractor network report, andelectronically communicating the contractor network report to a managerof the e-commerce computer system.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating a consumer feedback survey to apurchaser.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically receiving consumer feedback survey data from thepurchaser computer system.

At least some embodiments provide a tangible, non-transitory datastorage medium comprising indicia of instructions for a certificationcomputer system to perform an automated method of certifying at leastone third-party contractor to provide at least one contractor servicewith at least one product, wherein the certification computer system iscoupled to a global computer network with access to at least one datastorage device.

The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise electronically receiving contractor data at the certificationcomputer system from a plurality of contractor devices.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise electronically storing the contractor data as certificationdata in at least one of the at least one data storage device.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise automatically certifying at least two of a plurality ofthird-party contractors as at least two certified contractors based, atleast in part, on the certification data.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise electronically receiving an electronic service requestcommunicated from an e-commerce computer system to the certificationcomputer system, the electronic service request based, at least in part,on at least one purchase of at least one product with at least onecontractor service made in electronic communication with a purchasercomputer system.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise automatically creating an electronic service work order based,at least in part, on the electronic service request.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise automatically selecting a certified contractor from the atleast two certified contractors.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise electronically communicating the electronic service work orderto the certified contractor.

At least some embodiments provide a certification computer systemcoupled to a global computer network with access to at least one datastorage device and programmed to perform a method of automaticallycertifying at least one third-party contractor to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product.

The method performed by the certification computer system may compriseelectronically receiving contractor data at the certification computersystem from a plurality of contractor devices.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically storing at least a portion of the contractordata as certification data in at least one of the at least one datastorage device.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise partially certifying, automatically, at least one of aplurality of third-party contractors as at least one partially-certifiedcontractor based, at least in part, on the certification data.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically receiving an electronic service requestcommunicated from an e-commerce computer system to the certificationcomputer system, the electronic service request based, at least in part,on at least one purchase of at least one product with at least onecontractor service made in electronic communication with a purchasercomputer system.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically creating an electronic service work order based,at least in part, on the electronic service request.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating at least one certification requestto the at least one partially-certified contractor.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically certifying at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor as at least one certified contractorbased, at least in part, on a response to at least one of the at leastone certification request.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically selecting a certified contractor from the atleast one certified contractor.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating the electronic service work orderto the certified contractor.

At least some embodiments provide certification computer system coupledto a global computer network with access to at least one data storagedevice and a means for performing a method of automatically certifyingat least one third-party contractor to provide at least one contractorservice with at least one product.

The at least one certification request may comprise at least oneexamination accessible via the certification computer system.

The at least one certification request may be based, at least in part,on the certification data and the electronic service work order.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise partially certifying, automatically, the at least one of theplurality of third-party contractors based at least in part on: thecertification data and at least one contractor requirement.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically updating the certification data with at least onepartial certification.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically updating the certification data with at least onecertification.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically certifying the at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor based, at least in part, on at least oneresponse to the at least one certification request, the at least oneresponse electronically communicated from at least one of the pluralityof contractor devices to the certification computer system.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise: electronically testing at least one of the plurality ofthird-party contractors through employment of at least one examination,the at least one examination accessible via the certification computersystem, and partially certifying, automatically, at least one of the atleast one of the plurality of third-party contractors based, at least inpart, on at least one result from the at least one examination.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise: electronically testing at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor through employment of at least oneexamination, the at least one examination accessible via thecertification computer system, and automatically certifying at least oneof the at least one partially-certified contractor based, at least inpart, on at least one result from the at least one examination.

The method performed by the certification computer system may furthercomprise automatically selecting the certified contractor based, atleast in part, on the certification data.

At least some embodiments provide a tangible, non-transitory datastorage medium comprising indicia of instructions for a certificationcomputer system to perform an automated method of certifying at leastone third-party contractor to provide at least one contractor servicewith at least one product, wherein the certification computer system iscoupled to a global computer network with access to a data storagedevice.

At least some embodiments of the present disclosure provide ane-commerce computer system coupled to a global computer network andprogrammed to perform a method of selling at least one product with atleast one contractor service.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may compriseelectronically receiving at the e-commerce computer system, from apurchaser computer system, a selection of at least one product with atleast one contractor service.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise automatically placing a product code for the at least oneproduct in an electronic shopping cart.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise automatically placing a service code for the at least onecontractor service in the electronic shopping cart, the service codeelectronically received at the e-commerce computer system from a mappingcomputer system, the service code automatically derived by the mappingcomputing system programmed to map the at least one product with the atleast one contractor service.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically completing a shopping cart transaction inelectronic communication with the purchaser computer system.

At least some embodiments provide an e-commerce computer system coupledto a global computer network and a means for performing a method ofselling at least one product with at least one contractor service.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically presenting the electronic shopping cart to thepurchaser computer system with a request to complete a purchase of theat least one product and the at least one contractor service.

The product code may represent at least one of the following: a productfor sale, and a set of products for sale.

The at least one contractor service may comprise at least one of thefollowing: at least one measurement, an installation, an assembly, adelivery, an inspection, a warranty certification, a repair underwarranty, and a replacement under warranty.

The at least one service code may relate to at least one service price,the at least one service price based, at least in part, on locationdata, the location data electronically communicated from the purchasercomputer system.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating first data to the purchasercomputer system, the first data configured to present a first webpage ona display in communication with the purchaser computer system, the firstwebpage comprising product data and contractor service data.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating second data to the purchasercomputer system, the second data configured to present a second webpageon a display in communication with the purchaser computer system, thesecond webpage comprising shopping cart data, the shopping cart datacomprising the product code and the service code.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating third data to the purchasercomputer system, the third data configured to present terms of servicewith a webpage on a display in communication with the purchaser computersystem.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating terms of service to the purchasercomputer system.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise: electronically communicating terms of service to the purchasercomputer system, electronically receiving an acceptance of the terms ofservice from the purchaser computer system, and electronicallycommunicating the acceptance to a service processing computer system.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise automatically removing the service code from the electronicshopping cart based on at least one invalidation.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically completing the shopping cart transaction throughemployment of at least one merchant exchange computer system.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically completing the purchase through employment of atleast one merchant exchange computer system.

The method performed by the e-commerce computer system may furthercomprise electronically communicating an electronic service request to aservice processing computer system, the electronic service requestcomprising the product code, the service code, and purchaser contactdata.

At least some embodiments provide a tangible, non-transitory datastorage medium comprising indicia of instructions for an e-commercecomputer system to perform an automated method of selling at least oneproduct with at least one contractor service, wherein the e-commercecomputer system is coupled to a global computer network with access toat least one data storage device.

The automated method performed according to the instructions maycomprise electronically receiving at the e-commerce computer system,from a purchaser computer system, a selection of at least one productwith at least one contractor service.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise automatically placing a product code for the at least oneproduct in an electronic shopping cart.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise automatically placing a service code for the at least onecontractor service in the electronic shopping cart, the service codeelectronically received at the e-commerce computer system from a mappingcomputer system, the service code derived by the mapping computingsystem programmed to map the at least one product with the at least onecontractor service.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise electronically completing the shopping cart transaction inelectronic communication with the purchaser computer system.

The automated method performed according to the instructions may furthercomprise electronically presenting the electronic shopping cart to thepurchaser computer system with a request to complete a purchase of theat least one product and the at least one contractor service.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above.Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed asexample forms of implementing the claims.

In this specification, “a” and “an” and similar phrases are to beinterpreted as “at least one” and “one or more.” References to “a”,“an”, and “one” are not to be interpreted as “only one”. References to“an” embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameembodiment.

Many of the elements described in the disclosed embodiments may beimplemented as modules. A module is defined here as an isolatableelement that performs a defined function and has a defined interface toother elements. The modules described in this disclosure may beimplemented in hardware, a combination of hardware and software,firmware, wetware (in other words hardware with a biological element) ora combination thereof, all of which may be behaviorally equivalent. Forexample, modules may be implemented using computer hardware incombination with software routine(s) written in a computer language(Java, HTML, XML, PHP, Python, ActionScript, JavaScript, Ruby, Prolog,SQL, VBScript, Visual Basic, Perl, C, C++, Objective-C or the like).Additionally, it may be possible to implement modules using physicalhardware that incorporates discrete or programmable analog, digitaland/or quantum hardware. Examples of programmable hardware include:computers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, application-specificintegrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), andcomplex programmable logic devices (CPLDs). Computers, microcontrollersand microprocessors are programmed using languages such as assembly, C,C++ or the like. FPGAs, ASICs and CPLDs are often programmed usinghardware description languages (HDL) such as VHSIC hardware descriptionlanguage (VHDL) or Verilog that configure connections between internalhardware modules with lesser functionality on a programmable device.Finally, it needs to be emphasized that the above mentioned technologiesmay be used in combination to achieve the result of a functional module.

Some embodiments may employ processing hardware. Processing hardware mayinclude one or more processors, computer equipment, embedded system,machines and/or the like. The processing hardware may be configured toexecute instructions. The instructions may be stored on amachine-readable medium. According to some embodiments, themachine-readable medium (for example automated data medium) may be amedium configured to store data in a machine-readable format that may beaccessed by an automated sensing device. Examples of machine-readablemedia include: magnetic disks, cards, tapes, and drums, flash memory,memory cards, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM), solid state drives, optical disks, barcodes, magnetic inkcharacters, and/or the like.

While various embodiments have been described above, it should beunderstood that they have been presented by way of example, and notlimitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevantart(s) that various changes in form and detail can be made thereinwithout departing from the spirit and scope. In fact, after reading theabove description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevantart(s) how to implement alternative embodiments. Thus, the presentembodiments should not be limited by any of the above describedexemplary embodiments. In particular, it should be noted that, forexample purposes, computer systems have been described as includingserver(s), computer(s), mobile device(s), and/or wearable device(s).However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the relationshipsbetween server(s), computer(s), mobile device(s), and/or wearabledevice(s) may vary from a traditional server/device relationship over aglobal network such as the Internet. For example, a server may becollective based: portable equipment, broadcast equipment, virtual,application(s) distributed over a broad combination of computingsources, part of a cloud, and/or the like. Similarly, for example, amobile device may be a user based client, portable equipment, broadcastequipment, virtual, application(s) distributed over a broad combinationof computing sources, part of a cloud, integrated with at least onewearable device, and/or the like. Similarly, at least one wearabledevice may be configured to operate as a mobile device. Additionally, itshould be noted that, for example purposes, several of the variousembodiments may employ instructions operating in conjunction withhardware devices. However, one skilled in the art will recognize thatmany various languages and frameworks may be employed to build and useembodiments of the present disclosure. For example, languages/frameworksmay be based upon Java, HTML, XML, PHP, Python, ActionScript,JavaScript, Ruby, Prolog, SQL, VBScript, Visual Basic, Perl, C, C++,Objective-C combinations thereof, and/or the like.

In addition, it should be understood that any figures that highlight anyfunctionality and/or advantages, are presented for example purposesonly. The disclosed architecture is sufficiently flexible andconfigurable, such that it may be utilized in ways other than thatshown. For example, the steps listed in any flowchart may be re-orderedor only optionally used in some embodiments.

Furthermore, many features presented above are described as beingoptional through the use of “may” or the use of parentheses. For thesake of brevity and legibility, the present disclosure does notexplicitly recite each and every permutation that may be obtained bychoosing from the set of optional features. However, the presentdisclosure is to be interpreted as explicitly disclosing all suchpermutations. For example, a system described as having three optionalfeatures may be embodied in seven different ways, namely with just oneof the three possible features, with any two of the three possiblefeatures or with all three of the three possible features.

Further, the purpose of the Abstract of the Disclosure is to enable thePatent Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists,engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patentor legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursoryinspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of theapplication. The Abstract of the Disclosure is not intended to belimiting as to the scope in any way.

Finally, it is the applicant's intent that only claims that include theexpress language “means for” or “step for” be interpreted under 35U.S.C. 112. Claims that do not expressly include the phrase “means for”or “step for” are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112.

What is claimed is:
 1. A certification computer system coupled to aglobal computer network with access to at least one data storage deviceand programmed to perform a method of automatically certifying at leasttwo of a plurality of third-party contractors to provide at least onecontractor service with at least one product, the method performed bythe certification computer system comprising: a) electronicallyreceiving contractor data at the certification computer system from aplurality of contractor devices; b) electronically storing at least aportion of the contractor data as certification data in at least one ofthe at least one data storage device; c) automatically certifying atleast two of the plurality of third-party contractors as at least twocertified contractors based, at least in part, on the certificationdata; d) electronically receiving an electronic service requestcommunicated from an e-commerce computer system to the certificationcomputer system, the electronic service request based, at least in part,on at least one purchase of at least one product with at least onecontractor service made in electronic communication with a purchasercomputer system; e) automatically creating an electronic service workorder based, at least in part, on the electronic service request; f)automatically selecting a certified contractor from the at least twocertified contractors; and g) electronically communicating theelectronic service work order to the certified contractor.
 2. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein at least some of the plurality ofthird-party contractors are licensed contractors.
 3. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the contractor data comprises at least onecontractor request for consideration for selection of at least onecontractor service.
 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein theelectronic service request comprises: a) purchaser data; b) productdata; and c) service data.
 5. The system according to claim 1, whereinthe electronic service request comprises service data on at least one ofthe following contractor services: a) at least one measurement; b) aninstallation; c) an assembly; d) a delivery; e) an inspection; f) awarranty certification; g) a repair under warranty; and h) a replacementunder warranty.
 6. The system according to claim 1, wherein theelectronic service work order comprises task data.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 1, the method performed by the certification computersystem further comprising automatically certifying at least a portion ofthe plurality of third-party contractors based at least in part on: a)the certification data; and b) at least one contractor requirement. 8.The system according claim 1, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising electronically updating thecertification data with at least one certification.
 9. The systemaccording to claim 1, the method performed by the certification computersystem further comprising: a) electronically testing at least one of theplurality of third-party contractors through employment of at least oneexamination, the at least one examination accessible via thecertification computer system; and b) automatically certifying at leastone of the at least one of the plurality of third-party contractors asat least one certified contractor based, at least in part, on at leastone result from the at least one examination.
 10. The system accordingto claim 1, the method performed by the certification computer systemfurther comprising automatically selecting the certified contractorbased, at least in part, on the certification data.
 11. The systemaccording to claim 1, the method performed by the certification computersystem further comprising electronically communicating a service orderconfirmation to a purchaser.
 12. The system according claim 1, themethod performed by the certification computer system further comprisingelectronically receiving from the e-commerce computer system: shippingdata and at least one shipping update, one of the at least one shippingupdate comprising delivery data of the at least one product.
 13. Thesystem according to claim 1, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising electronically receiving serviceprogress data from at least one of the plurality of contractor devices.14. The system according to claim 1, the method performed by thecertification computer system further comprising: a) automaticallygenerating a contractor network report; and b) electronicallycommunicating the contractor network report to a manager of thee-commerce computer system.
 15. The system according to claim 1, themethod performed by the certification computer system further comprisingelectronically communicating a consumer feedback survey to a purchaser.16. The system according to claim 1, the method performed by thecertification computer system further comprising electronicallyreceiving consumer feedback survey data from the purchaser computersystem.
 17. A tangible, non-transitory data storage medium comprisingindicia of instructions for a certification computer system to performan automated method of certifying at least one third-party contractor toprovide at least one contractor service with at least one product,wherein the certification computer system is coupled to a globalcomputer network with access to at least one data storage device, theautomated method performed according to the instructions comprising: a)electronically receiving contractor data at the certification computersystem from a plurality of contractor devices; b) electronically storingthe contractor data as certification data in at least one of the atleast one data storage device; c) automatically certifying at least twoof a plurality of third-party contractors as at least two certifiedcontractors based, at least in part, on the certification data; d)electronically receiving an electronic service request communicated froman e-commerce computer system to the certification computer system, theelectronic service request based, at least in part, on at least onepurchase of at least one product with at least one contractor servicemade in electronic communication with a purchaser computer system; e)automatically creating an electronic service work order based, at leastin part, on the electronic service request; f) automatically selecting acertified contractor from the at least two certified contractors; and g)electronically communicating the electronic service work order to thecertified contractor.
 18. A certification computer system coupled to aglobal computer network with access to at least one data storage deviceand programmed to perform a method of automatically certifying at leastone third-party contractor to provide at least one contractor servicewith at least one product, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system comprising: a) electronically receiving contractor dataat the certification computer system from a plurality of contractordevices; b) electronically storing at least a portion of the contractordata as certification data in at least one of the at least one datastorage device; c) partially certifying, automatically, at least one ofa plurality of third-party contractors as at least onepartially-certified contractor based, at least in part, on thecertification data; d) electronically receiving an electronic servicerequest communicated from an e-commerce computer system to thecertification computer system, the electronic service request based, atleast in part, on at least one purchase of at least one product with atleast one contractor service made in electronic communication with apurchaser computer system; e) automatically creating an electronicservice work order based, at least in part, on the electronic servicerequest; f) electronically communicating at least one certificationrequest to the at least one partially-certified contractor; g)automatically certifying at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor as at least one certified contractorbased, at least in part, on a response to at least one of the at leastone certification request; h) automatically selecting a certifiedcontractor from the at least one certified contractor; and i)electronically communicating the electronic service work order to thecertified contractor.
 19. The system according to claim 18, wherein theat least one certification request comprises at least one examinationaccessible via the certification computer system.
 20. The systemaccording to claim 18, wherein the at least one certification request isbased, at least in part, on the certification data and the electronicservice work order.
 21. The system according to claim 18, the methodperformed by the certification computer system further comprisingpartially certifying, automatically, the at least one of the pluralityof third-party contractors based at least in part on: a) thecertification data; and b) at least one contractor requirement.
 22. Thesystem according to claim 18, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising automatically updating thecertification data with at least one partial certification.
 23. Thesystem according to claim 18, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising automatically updating thecertification data with at least one certification.
 24. The systemaccording to claim 18, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising automatically certifying the at leastone of the at least one partially-certified contractor based, at leastin part, on at least one response to the at least one certificationrequest, the at least one response electronically communicated from atleast one of the plurality of contractor devices to the certificationcomputer system.
 25. The system according to claim 18, the methodperformed by the certification computer system further comprising: a)electronically testing at least one of the plurality of third-partycontractors through employment of at least one examination, the at leastone examination accessible via the certification computer system; and b)partially certifying, automatically, at least one of the at least one ofthe plurality of third-party contractors based, at least in part, on atleast one result from the at least one examination.
 26. The systemaccording to claim 18, the method performed by the certificationcomputer system further comprising: a) electronically testing at leastone of the at least one partially-certified contractor throughemployment of at least one examination, the at least one examinationaccessible via the certification computer system; and b) automaticallycertifying at least one of the at least one partially-certifiedcontractor based, at least in part, on at least one result from the atleast one examination.
 27. The system according to claim 18, the methodperformed by the certification computer system further comprisingautomatically selecting the certified contractor based, at least inpart, on the certification data.
 28. A tangible, non-transitory datastorage medium comprising indicia of instructions for a certificationcomputer system to perform an automated method of certifying at leastone third-party contractor to provide at least one contractor servicewith at least one product, wherein the certification computer system iscoupled to a global computer network with access to a data storagedevice, the method performed according to the instructions comprising:a) electronically receiving contractor data at the certificationcomputer system from a plurality of contractor devices; b)electronically storing the contractor data as certification data in thedata storage device; c) partially certifying, automatically, at leastone of a plurality of third-party contractors as at least onepartially-certified contractor based, at least in part, on thecertification data; electronically receiving an electronic servicerequest communicated from an e-commerce computer system to thecertification computer system, the electronic service request based, atleast in part, on at least one purchase of at least one product with atleast one contractor service made in electronic communication with apurchaser computer system; d) automatically creating an electronicservice work order based, at least in part, on the electronic servicerequest; e) electronically communicating at least one certificationrequest to the at least one partially-certified contractor; f)automatically certifying at least one of the at least onepartially-certified contractor as at least one certified contractorbased, at least in part, on a certification response to at least one ofthe at least one certification request; g) automatically selecting acertified contractor from the at least one certified contractor; and h)electronically communicating the electronic service work order to thecertified contractor.